The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1887-12-29
THE IMMIGRATION SCHEME.
What Some Delegates Think of the
Dallas Convention.

Casual interviews yesterday with some
Of the Austin delegation 10 the immigra-
tion convention at Dallas elected the fol-
lowing ex IMPRESSIONS of opinion;
Mayor Nane-rhe convention was an
earnest working body, and quite large
one, representing nearly every section of
the state. The published accounts of the
proceedings gave proper idea of the
objects OF the convention which was to
devise means for procuring and publish
ing statistical information, and getting
the cooperation of the railroads TO induce
immigration. One great difficulty is
raising funds, which will have to
De done by subscription, as the
law prohibits any appropriation
by the state for such purposes. The legis.
lature, however, might be induced TO make
a special appropriation for the ststs's
department OF statistics, for the commits
sioner Of that department to gather and
publish such information as would be de-
sirable.
found in my trip last summer that
there is not only strong prejudice in the
minds of many northern people, bat a
good deal of ignorance as to this state
and the character of our people. One
lady, for instance, who was visiting the
Virginia Springs, could tell you every
thing about Europe, but seemed wofully
surprised whom my wife informed her that
we had fine houses in Texas, costing from
Ave 20 sixty thousand dollars. SO you see
we have ignorance as well as prejudice
to encounter, and must distribute the
proper information to change this senti.
mept, and induce good people to come
here aud invest their means aud live
with us.
shall attend the meeting of the com
mittee of thirty-one next Thursday at
Dallas, where we will confer with railroad
officers about getting up excursions and
cheap immigration rates, and formulate
plans for raising funds and publishing
statistics and general Information as TO
the true character and resources of our
state. | think the action of the oonven-
tion was business like and in the right
direction, and if followed up vigorously
will accomplish the ends in view. The
interstate drill and dedication of the new
capitol can be used to great advantage for
promoting immigration by inducing peO-
pie from all sections of the country to
visit Texas and realize the facts for them
selves.
Frank Hamilton-I was very favorably
impressed with the character of the men
and the work of the convention, es-
pecially as every section and interest OF
the state was represented. They we're all
earnest and harmonious in their action,
and do not doubt that the railroads will
CO operate Literally with the people in the
movement.
Lewis Hancock think the work OF
the convention will accomplish a good
deal in promoting immigration. OF course
there is great deal to be accomplished
by the committee, which meets next
Thursday at Dallas, and by the people in
carrying out the plans which may be
adopted. We will then have some idea OF
what the railroads will do. have no
doubt that they will literally and ear
nestly cooperate with us.
j. II. Oollett-It was body of intelli-
gent business-like men, and they acted IL
business-like way. There were about Q
thousand of them from all parts of the
state, and have great confidence in theil
proceedings. They we're so thoroughly
in earnest that they would discuss nothing
but immigration, and ordered every out
side proposition to be expunged from the
reported proceedings of the convention.
John Mcdonald think one grea
difficulty is prejudice in the minds of tn,
people. This prejudice as to our STATE
and people is imaginary, but you can
make che northern people believe it with
ont they come here to see for themselves
favored prohibition not SO much per Sc
as because believed it's adoption woult
largely remove the prejudice as to tn,
morality of our Texas people.